Lyrics Uncovered: RaeLynn, ‘Queens Don’t’

The world changed from the time RaeLynn came up with the title "Queens Don't" in 2016, to when she released the song as a single in 2018. The #MeToo movement has brought people forward with eye-opening stories, and RaeLynn poured this empowerment into the "Queens Don't" lyrics.

"I didn't know how I wanted to write it at first. I thought it would be more about a guy," she tells Taste of Country of the concept for the song. She says the energy in the room was "electric" when she, Corey Crowder and James Abrahart wrote "Queens Don't."

"We started writing it toward that, and then we were like, 'We need to make this for anybody.' With everything happening with girl power lately — people speaking their truth about who they are — I think a really big thing that I've learned is you don't have to come from a whole lot of anything to make something out of your life. That's what I wanted this song to be about."

The incorporation of liberation through #MeToo was intentional. RaeLynn was moved people's fearlessness in sharing their stories — she wanted to capture that power in the song.

"I think we're in such a special time right now where people are able to speak their truth and be so honest and I think that's so beautiful," she says, framing the "Queens Don't" lyrics. "I think the reason why this song stands out is because it's a song for right now where we are. I know it's inspired me in so many ways and got a new fire for me for this new record. Right when we wrote this song, I knew it was a special time."

The word "queen" has significant meaning for RaeLynn, who finds power and humility in the title of her song. "I've always loved the word 'queen' and I always say, 'Yes, queen!'" the 23-year-old says. "No matter where you come from, nobody should be treated any less than a queen because they get the best of everything. I feel like in this world, everybody deserves that."

"Queen's don't hate, queen's don't fight / Queen's don't stay unless their king treats her right, oh / Every jewel on my crown, you better believe I earned it / Won't keep people around that don't believe I deserve it," she proudly declares in the chorus.

"I feel like I am a queen. I know now what I'll stand up for and what I won't and I went in with that mindset with writing this song," RaeLynn affirms. "I've had situations come up where I could've fought, where I could've hated on somebody, and I chose to never do that. Queens don't hate on people, queens don't fight with people. We fight for what we believe in."